Friday, August 25, 2017

Lectio Divina: Discipleship and Evangelism


From the Rule of Saint Benedict: (Idleness is the enemy of the soul)
Therefore, the daily life of discipleship is labor and sacred reading
Today's Scripture: Matthew 10:1-33
Four movements of Lectio Divina:

Lectio (Read): Read attentively and carefully, identify key words

Disciples: a learner, pupil
Apostles: ambassador, commissioner, delegate, messenger
Heal, resurrect, cleanse: requires power
Acquire nothing: depend on those we are serving, offer peace to the receptive, warning to the rejecting
Persecution is opportunity to witness: The Spirit will speak through us in persecution
Persecution is prompted by Christ-likeness: the more we’re like Christ, the more we’re treated like Him
Endurance leads to salvation: if we acknowledge Christ on earth He will acknowledge us in heaven
Do not fear men: fear only God

Meditatio (Think): Reflect, ask what is God saying to me?

An integral part of discipleship is evangelism, or sharing the gospel. As we are faithful to share the gospel, God promises to empower us, provide for us, and speak through us. He also promises that our success will provoke persecution that may test our faith, but staying focused on our Father in heaven will encourage endurance that will produce a stronger witness and increase our assurance of salvation.

Oratio (Pray): Respond to God
Lord, please help me to be sensitive and responsive to the opportunities you provide for me to share the gospel. Increase my faith in your empowering and providing hand and fill me with your anointed words that I might look, live, and love more like Jesus Christ each day. Please keep me focused on You, fearful of no one or nothing of earth, that I might endure persecution with a testimony that exalts Christ here on earth and anticipates His blessed acknowledgement in heaven.

Contemplatio (Act): How am I changed by this encounter with God?


Today, I am reminded of the inseparable link between discipleship and evangelism. With God’s grace, may this reminder make me more sensitive and responsive to gospel-sharing opportunities every day.

1 comment:

  1. Evangelism is a Christian movement for emphasizing personal conversion and the authority of the Bible or, by extension, any other form of preaching or proselytizing. https://dayfinders.com/pakistan-independence-day/

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